Hey ho let’ go: The Tall Ships Races 2014 is bound for Bergen

The international fleet of 63 Tall Ships undocked from Fredrikstad, Norway today and sailed down the River Glomma and out to sea in a beautiful Parade of Sail, watched by thousands of visitors.

The local community of Fredrikstad reported record sales during the event with some restaurants reporting a 40% increase in profit. Other local owners reported long queues and full houses all over the city. 

While visiting the Tall Ships fleet was the main attraction, market stalls and street entertainment along the dockside were very popular attractions.  And on the Island of Isegran, there were lots of activities for both children and adults in addition to being the location for the opening ceremony, the crew competition, a museum exhibition and various theatrical performances. 

Fredrikstad’s project manager BjíŸrg Western said she was happy with the number people who visited the event, and the local police reported that even though the city was packed with people, the last few days went without incident.

Einar Corwin, director of Christian Radich told the local newspaper the event in Fredrikstad was a huge success for the fleet, and reported many people showing interest in sailing and the sail training experience.

Knut Western, Race Director, Sail Training International said, äóìThe fleet has been very well received in Fredrikstad and the crews have been treated well. Fredrikstad has changed a lot since 2005, when we first hosted The Tall Ships Races.  It’ a different city – more developed, more focused on the water and more beautiful. And Captains who have been here before have noticed this.  In my opinion The Tall Ships Races leave a lasting impression and impact – not just by their grandeur, but also the spirit of the crews – and this gives local people a sense of pride.” 

The next destination for The Tall Ships Races 2014 is Bergen, Norway; in the old days they said ” singing ship is a happy shipäó and Bergen aims to prove it is a happy ship.

Bergen is full of maritime history.  Sailing ships from all over the world have visited this port for centuries.  The shanty and sea song tradition was, and is, an important part of the life on board sailing ships and Bergen will focus on giving the crews an opportunity to become more familiar with this song tradition.  

As well as daily shanties performed by cadets from the masts of Statsraad Lehmkuhl (Norway) there will be a shanty contest,  two stages playing live music and lots of fun and entertainment.